Johnston County Telecommunicators Lead First-Of-Its-Kind Multi-State 911 Exercise

Demonstration routed live 911 calls from North Carolina to Washington, D.C., highlighting new capabilities in Next Generation emergency communications.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Johnston County 911 telecommunicators successfully routed live 911 calls from North Carolina to Washington, D.C. during a first-of-its-kind exercise, demonstrating the capabilities of North Carolina's Emergency Services IP Network (ESINet) to enhance resilience, interoperability and data sharing during emergencies. The exercise tested advanced data delivery systems and the ability to maintain emergency call operations even if a disaster or disruption prevents staff from working inside the County's communications center.

Why it matters

This exercise highlights the growing importance of Next Generation 911 technology and the ability of emergency communications systems to maintain operations across state lines, ensuring community protection even in tough situations. It demonstrates the value of preparedness, partnerships and advanced technology in public safety.

The details

During the demonstration, 911 calls originating in Johnston County were routed through ESINet to Washington, D.C., where Johnston County telecommunicators answered them inside a mobile command center. Telecommunicators in D.C. remotely processed the calls while telecommunicators in Johnston County simultaneously handled dispatch operations. The exercise tested advanced data delivery systems, including integration with Johnston County's computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system, location services and redundant wireless connections using FirstNet and commercial carriers.

  • The first-of-its-kind exercise took place on February 23, 2026.

The players

Johnston County 911

The emergency communications team in Johnston County, North Carolina that led the multi-state 911 exercise.

North Carolina's Emergency Services IP Network (ESINet)

A Next Generation 911 technology designed to enhance resilience, interoperability and data sharing during emergencies in North Carolina.

Washington, D.C. Office of Unified Communications

The public safety agency in Washington, D.C. that participated in the cross-state 911 exercise.

Pokey Harris

Executive director of the North Carolina 911 Board.

Teena Piccione

Chair of the North Carolina 911 Board and secretary of the North Carolina Department of Information Technology.

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What they’re saying

“Johnston County 911 was glad to help in the proof-of-concept exercise, and we were able to put some of our own equipment and concepts to the test that passed flawlessly. We are truly blessed in this great nation to have the partnerships not only at the county and state level but now nationally to ensure the citizens that no matter where they are, their calls can be answered and help sent.”

— Morgan Harris, Johnston County 911 Director (jocoreport.com)

“This was an opportunity for Johnston County to demonstrate both preparedness and collaboration with our partners in public safety. Our telecommunicators are highly trained professionals, and this technology ensures they can continue serving our community under virtually any circumstances.”

— Morgan Harris, Johnston County 911 Director (jocoreport.com)

“We appreciate the efforts of the Washington, D.C., Office of Unified Communications, Johnston County Emergency Communications, and our vendor partners in turning this proof of concept into reality.”

— Pokey Harris, Executive Director, North Carolina 911 Board (jocoreport.com)

“North Carolina's ESInet enables us to transmit calls, data and expertise to where they are needed most, ensuring community protection even in tough situations. Public safety relies on preparedness, partnerships and advanced technology, and this success shows what can be achieved when states, local agencies and industry work together with a common goal.”

— Teena Piccione, Chair, North Carolina 911 Board and Secretary, North Carolina Department of Information Technology (jocoreport.com)

What’s next

The North Carolina 911 Board and its partners plan to continue expanding the capabilities of the ESINet to enhance emergency communications and response across the state and beyond.

The takeaway

This multi-state 911 exercise demonstrates the power of Next Generation 911 technology and the importance of collaboration between state and local emergency communications agencies to ensure public safety, even in the face of disruptions or disasters. It highlights how advanced systems and partnerships can help save lives by maintaining critical emergency services.